Plantains are a delicious and versatile fruit that are enjoyed in many cuisines around the world. They look similar to bananas but are larger, starchier, and less sweet.
Plantains are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can eat them at different stages of ripeness, from green to yellow to black. Depending on how ripe they are, you can use them in savory dishes like tostones or sweet recipes like maduros and plantain pudding.
Plantains can be boiled, fried, baked, or grilled – the possibilities are endless! Learning how to peel a plantain is the first step to unlocking all the tasty potential of this amazing fruit.
Let’s go through the process step by step so you can start cooking with plantains today.
Before you start peeling your plantain, give it a good rinse under running water.
Scrub the skin gently with your fingers or a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the plantain dry with a clean towel.
Step-by-Step: How to Peel a Plantain
Step ->1
To peel the plantain, first place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice off both ends of the fruit.
Step ->2
Next, make a shallow cut along the length of the plantain from end to end. Do this along 2 or 3 of the natural ridges in the peel.
Be sure to only slice through the peel and not into the plantain flesh.
Step ->3
Now, use your fingers to pry and lift the cut peel away from the plantain.
The vertical slices you made will allow you to pull the peel off in long strips.
Keep working your fingers under the peel to loosen and remove it completely.
Step -> 4
Now, use your fingers to pry and lift the cut peel away from the plantain.
The vertical slices you made will allow you to pull the peel off in long strips.
Keep working your fingers under the peel to loosen and remove it completely.
Supply:
- Plantain
Tools:
- Cutting Board, Knife
Once you have peeled away all the strips of skin, your plantain is ready to use! Slice off any overly soft or discolored parts of the flesh.
Now you can cut the plantain however you like – into rounds, diagonal slices, or dice – depending on the recipe you’re making.
You’re now ready to cook with your peeled plantain! Try frying slices in oil for tostones, boiling and mashing for mangu, fried plantains, or baking with spices for a sweet treat. With your new plantain-peeling skills, a world of delicious possibilities awaits.
I was born and grew up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where my grandmas, mom, and aunts taught me everything about cooking. Now, I live in the US, and I love hiking, reading, and making meals for my family.